With finals approaching, consider these tips for effective studying.

Make study plans

For each class, make a list of all the tasks you must complete. Sort the tasks by importance and plan to do the most important tasks first.

Anticipate demanding days and distractions — plan how you will work through them.

Miss any readings? Be strategic: Decide what parts of the readings you can omit, what parts you can skim, and what parts you need to read more thoroughly.

• Attend Exam Jam (April 28 through May 8, 2019) for free tutoring, review sessions, and more.
• Reserve a group study room up to two weeks in advance for two hours per day.

Investigate the test

How long is the final? What kind of questions will be on it? (E.g. multiple choice, essay, short answer, problem-solving) Which concepts are most important? Which chapters should you focus on? Ask your professor/TA or consult your syllabus to find out.

Practice doing what you will be asked to do on the test. This is the single most effective way to prepare.

Don’t stray too much from your normal routine. but include some time for personal care and socializing. (Pet Away Worry and Stress, anyone?).

• More tips from Final Exam Prep and EffectiveU.

Recommended study spaces

Here’s some study spots around campus that promise relative quiet and productivity for those long hours of studying:

Magrath Library (St. Paul)
Get out of your comfort zone — take the Campus Connector to the St. Paul campus to Magrath Library. This is the largest library on the St Paul campus and has lots of spaces for quiet studying with windows and lots of plants. The layout of the building is tricky — so grab a map and explore all the floors and levels.

Natural Resources Library (St. Paul)
While you are on the St. Paul campus, head “up the hill” to Hodson Hall. The Natural Resources Library is one of our smaller libraries with a relaxed, cozy atmosphere. You can study with Leonard the turtle! The perfect study reptile.

Music Library (West bank)
Do you want a place with a funky vibe? The Music Library in Ferguson Hall, and their extensive record collection can help keep you in a groove while studying. The simple layout with light from the atrium is worth checking out.

Hasselmo Hall (East bank)
If Coffman is too busy, Hasselmo Hall next door might be a new space to consider. With seven floors in the sunlit atrium there is lots to explore.

River Road Cafe in the Education Sciences building (East bank)
The small coffee shop on the lower level of the Education Sciences building is hard to get to but that means it is quiet. You can take a break and walk across the pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River.

Find and reserve study spaces

Try the Study Space Finder or reserve a group study room at the Libraries.

Also, you can study in any empty classroom for individual or group study when the room is not being used. Check the Astra Schedule Scheduling Calendar to see when and which rooms are available.

Good luck on finals!